Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bigbury Bay is a sandy, tidal beach break on the South Hams coast that supports multiple water sports, with surfing highlighted as a core activity. The surf is described as fun and mellow with peeling waves and typically long rides, and it’s often characterized as beginner-friendly for learning—especially when conditions are well-groomed. Wind is influenced by Atlantic frontal systems and can vary with direction and shelter effects around Burgh Island. Reports note that wind clarity/cleanliness can be limited in some months (with a high “blown out” figure reported for February), and there can be wind shadow behind Burgh Island depending on direction—so choosing the right wind direction for the session matters. Safety considerations are a prominent theme for this spot. Strong tidal currents are reported around the island and across the causeway, with timing crucial as the tide can cut off access. Hazards include rocks/submerged rocks near the island, the sea-tractor crossing area (relevant to lines and pedestrian safety), and swimmer presence—so it’s important to respect swimming zones and keep well clear of active crossing periods. For the water itself, the beach is clean and the water type is described as chop. Surfing conditions are noted as working across tides with mid-tide favored, while longer rides are reported at lower tides. For cold-water comfort, full wetsuit use is emphasized year-round, with winter accessory recommendations varying by source.
- Popular South Devon beach break with long, mellow peeling rides
- Works through the tides; varying sandbars affect depth and conditions
- Island-and-causeway layout creates both shelter and strong-current challenges
- Strong winter (especially February) surf timing is repeatedly noted
- Wide sandy, tidal-access beach break with easy general shore launching for some users
- Beginners are specifically highlighted for surfing with long, mellow rides
- Tidal sandbars and the island create distinct riding conditions
- Multi-discipline potential: surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling
- Strong tidal currents around Burgh Island/causeway can be hazardous
- Rip currents can form when swell is larger
- Rocks/submerged rocks and the sea tractor/causeway crossing area add risk
- Wave quality is described differently across sources (mellow/peeling vs poor rating)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE, NW
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Atlantic-frontal wind systems (also described as frontal in wind reports).
- Reliability
- 56% blown out in February; 11% clean (surf wind clarity indicator).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bay with tidal sandbars.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Surf reports vary: one source describes small waves; another describes medium surf in general conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water type reported as chop.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy area at low tide; becomes narrower at high tide. Kitesurfers often launch to the west of the causeway.
Through the year
Peak in winter for better surf; much quieter in summer. Extremely crowded in July–August school holidays.
Winter months (November to February) prone to Atlantic storms and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Versatile kitesurfing spot with variable directions; island-related shelter can help but strong currents are a major factor. Launch area and conditions change significantly with tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Established windsurfing venue; waves can be excellent for jumping when swell is up and wind is cross-shore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Deep water further out can be suitable for foiling, but shallow sandbars around low tide and the tidal causeway require careful navigation.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Popular beach break that works well for beginners and intermediates, with mellow, peeling waves and long rides.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Also described as especially long at lower tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — More sheltered than Bantham in reports; still semi-exposed in general.
- Wind Effect
- Best when offshore is North to Northeast; onshore Southwest winds can affect wave cleanliness. One report also notes best with NE offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy; rips form and the session can be more challenging for intermediates on larger sets.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Conflicting notes exist: one source rates wave quality as poor (mellow/peeling style), while another describes it as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Fun, mellow peeling waves; long rides particularly at lower tides.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Often long/mellow; can extend up to ~50–100 meters on good days per reports.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can peel and produce long rides near the island side; long at lower tides.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) in the full forecast view.
Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–32 ktsGusts 51 kts
- Direction
- WSW238°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2432 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–4.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 10–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–32 kts, peaking around 32 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 51 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.7–4.6 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rip currents (when swell is big)
- Strong tidal currents around Burgh Island/causeway
- Rocks near the island/shore
- Swimmers
- Animals
- Sea tractor causeway crossings
- Submerged rocks at high tide
- Various buoys
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard patrols are described as standard on main beaches from May to September.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Dial 999 (or 112) for Coastguard/Ambulance; nearest major trauma center noted in Plymouth (Derriford Hospital).
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones and avoid kitesurfing or surfing too close to pedestrians/crossing areas on the causeway; check for swimming events before kitesurfing.
- Seasonal dog bans
- Kitesurfing launch zones typically restricted during peak summer hours
- Check for swimming events before kitesurfing
- Time your sessions carefully: the tide can cut off the causeway, and flooding can happen quickly.
- Avoid swimming areas when kitesurfing and keep clear of pedestrians on the causeway.
- Rips form when swell is large; be extra cautious around the island and in higher-energy conditions.
- Wetsuit all year needed (summer may be less thick, but cold water persists).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Plymouth
- Nearest Town
- Bigbury-On-Sea
- Nearest Airport
- Exeter Airport (EXT) ~65km; Bristol Airport (BRS) ~160km; Plymouth Airport ~15km
- Parking
- Beachfront pay-and-display car park directly at the beach (reported fill-up risk in summer). Alternative cheaper parking exists a short walk away in peak season.
- Public Transport
- Limited rural bus services connect the coast to Kingsbridge and Plymouth
- Access
- Park at the beachfront car park at the edge of the beach; access via A379, exit onto B3392 to Bigbury, continue to Bigbury-On-Sea.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various holiday lets in Bigbury-on-Sea, plus Burgh Island Hotel (luxury) and camping options nearby.
- Food & Drink
- Venus Cafe on the beach; Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island (reported).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available via surf schools at/near the car park area.
- Gear Storage
- Not widely available for public use outside of school lessons.
- Gear Repair
- No dedicated repair site reported at the beach; basic local repair kits may exist, with specialized repairs requiring travel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coastal scenery and classic South Hams surf culture, with access to iconic tidal scenery including Burgh Island and extensive walking routes along the coast.
Iconic tidal island accessible by foot at low tide or by a sea tractor at high tide, featuring an Art Deco hotel.
Historic fishing village with a tidal pool.
Historic harbor town.
World-famous National Trail offering dramatic cliffside walks and historical insights into Devon's maritime history.
Coastal hiking along the South Devon Coast Path.
Extensive hiking trails along the rugged coastline connecting the various coves and beaches.
Local surf and sailing hub.
Historic pub popular with the surfing community, just steps from the sand.
Beginner-friendly beach with sand bottom.
Rock pooling and calm waters.
Sandy beaches and rocky outcrops make rock pooling and sandcastle building well suited for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea)?
The best overall months at Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea)?
Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) works with E, ESE, SE, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) suitable for?
Bigbury Bay (Bigbury-On-Sea) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.